Can my 3 or 4 year old get 15 hours free childcare?

For parents and carers of 3 and 4 year olds in England.

Applies to: England Last checked against official sources: 6 October 2026

Yes. All 3 and 4 year olds in England can get 570 free hours a year, usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks. You don't need to be working.

It starts the term after your child's 3rd birthday: 1 January, 1 April or 1 September.
It must be with an approved childcare provider.
It stops when your child starts reception class.
Some families can get 30 hours instead through Free Childcare for Working Parents.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different schemes.

Different in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

Rules may be different in:

Scotland: Check mygov.scot for Scotland
Wales: Check gov.wales for Wales
Northern Ireland: Check nidirect for Northern Ireland

Key facts

570 hours a year
Usually 15 hours for 38 weeks
All 3 and 4 year olds in England

What 15 hours free childcare is

In England, every 3 and 4 year old can get 570 hours of free early education or childcare a year. This is often called "15 hours free childcare". All 3 and 4 year olds in England can get it. You do not need to be working.

How the 570 hours can be used

Pattern	Hours a week	Weeks a year	Total
Term time (usual)	15	38	570 hours
Stretched, for example (if your provider offers it)	11.4	50	570 hours

Stretching means taking fewer hours a week over more weeks. Not every provider offers this, so ask yours.

When your child can start

Your child can start from the term after their 3rd birthday. The start dates are 1 January, 1 April and 1 September.

Child's 3rd birthday	Free hours can start
1 September to 31 December	1 January
1 January to 31 March	1 April
1 April to 31 August	1 September

Example: a child who turns 3 on 15 October can start getting free hours from 1 January.

The free hours stop when your child starts in reception class, or reaches compulsory school age if that is later.

Where you can use it

The free hours must be with an approved childcare provider, such as a nursery school or a registered childminder. Ask the provider if they offer free hours.

How to get it

Work out your child's start date from the table above.
Contact an approved childcare provider, or your local council, to find out about places.
Arrange the free hours with your provider from the right start date.

Extra charges

The 15 hours are free, but providers may charge for extras such as:

meals
nappies
additional hours
trips and other activities

30 hours for working families

Some families can get 30 hours a week instead. This is through Free Childcare for Working Parents. You and your partner (if you have one) must be working and earn over a minimum amount. You apply through a childcare account and get a code to give your provider. Some 2 year olds can also get 15 free hours through a separate scheme.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

This scheme is for England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own schemes.

In Scotland, all 3 to 5 year olds can get up to 1,140 hours a year of funded early learning and childcare. That is about 30 hours a week in term time, or 22 hours a week if used all year. Some 2 year olds qualify too. Contact your local council.

Related guides

Where this comes from

Get it done

This takes you to the official service, which is free to use.

Find free early education

Common questions

Will I pay anything?

Possibly, for extras like additional hours or trips. Ask your provider.

How do I get it?

Contact your childcare provider or local council.

Source: 15 hours free childcare for 3 and 4-year-olds

Checked against GOV.UK on 6 October 2026

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